I'm in the UK and yes Silver is taxed here so always inflated. Buying overseas is a gamble... Sometimes lucky and it's not requested but has to be factored. I collect a lot of pored coin sets so always way over spot. For billion I find 10oz coins are more satisfying than a block.
I bought one of those 2 oz "No prey, no pay" pirate coins for $42 from a local dealer. I know that is much over spot but I wanted one for my collection. Too bad they don't make an airtite that fits (the coin is FAT). Here is what they look like. http://www.bgasc.com/product/2-oz-s...-relief-pirate-rounds/silver-rounds-2-oz-5-oz Jim
In case you need to liquidate some Silver, it is better to have some coins around rather than dropping a Kilo or 10 Oz. It's Like tying to sell a house, you can't sell one brick at a time.
I have to disagree, I had no problem selling single or multiple bars a year a go when I was experimenting with how the whole silver selling thing works. I got spot price for all of them.